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Augusta GreenJackets ace Martin Agosta is sharp in victory

Augusta's Andrew Cain dives back to first to avoid getting picked off by Lexington first baseman Mark Donato.

Augusta starter Martin Agosta picked up the win.

Augusta's Charles Jones was forced out at second base, but he helped break up a double play attempt by Lexington second baseman Humberto Arteaga in Friday night's game.

Augusta's Trevor Brown makes the throw to first for the out against Lexington at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Friday.

Low-scoring games between starters Martin Agosta and Bryan Brickhouse have become a staple of the South Atlantic League in the first half of the season. All four have ended in the Augusta GreenJackets’ favor.

Augusta starter Agosta pitched seven shutout innings to lead the GreenJackets to a 4-0 win over the Lexington Legends on Friday night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Brickhouse allowed one run on four hits in four innings, walking three and striking out three.

Agosta (6-2) has allowed two runs on nine hits over his past 21 innings, going seven innings in each of his past three starts. He allowed just two hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts against the Legends, tying his season high in punch outs.

“He pitched out of some tough jams, which was good to see,” Augusta manager Mike Goff said. “Our pitching staff is doing a good job going deep into games, which we desperately need with as many games our bullpen has thrown this early. It’s giving those guys a chance to catch their breath, which is huge.”

Agosta has allowed just two earned runs in 23 innings against the Legends this season.

Brickhouse (4-4) has allowed no more than two runs in any start against the GreenJackets, but his team has failed to win any of those four outings.

“That guy’s got great stuff,” Goff said. “We’ve just been fortunate to hit some balls off him. He’s tough.”

Augusta (32-28) scored in four consecutive innings between the fourth and seventh. Left fielder Andrew Cain singled home a run in the fourth, followed by an RBI single from Ben Turner in the fifth.

An error scored a run in the sixth. Alberto Robles hit into a fielder’s choice in the seventh that brought home the fourth run.

Cain went 3 for 4 with one RBI. Turner and Stephen Branca each had two hits.

AUGUSTA 4, LEXINGTON 0

PLAY OF THE GAME: Augusta starter Martin Agosta struck out the side in the fifth, retiring nine in a row at one point.

STAR OF THE GAME: Agosta pitched seven shutout innings on two hits, tying a season high with 10 strikeouts.